Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Waltz Plays Politics & Doubles Down as Iran Raises a Chemical Threat
Date: January 3, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson
Network: Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on two headline topics:

1. The fallout from a viral video exposing alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota linked to the Somali community, along with Governor Tim Waltz's controversial response and the federal investigation now underway.
2. Key diplomatic meetings at Mar-a-Lago, where President Trump hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, discussing issues ranging from Middle East security and Iran’s chemical threats to peace initiatives in Ukraine.

Ben Ferguson provides critical commentary on developments, federal interventions, and the broader political implications.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal and Governor Waltz’s Response

• Alleged Fraud Exposed:
  Viral video circulates showing empty daycare centers in Minnesota allegedly receiving funds, raising suspicions of large-scale fraud tied to the Somali community.

• Governor Tim Waltz’s Reaction:
  Instead of addressing the fraud directly, Governor Waltz is accused of deflecting criticism and doubling down on welcoming more Somali immigrants to Minnesota.

  • Memorable Quote:
    “You just heard the governor of Minnesota say instead of cutting programs filled with billions of dollars of fraud, we're going to enhance those programs. He said instead of getting rid of people, we're going to be more welcoming.”
    — Ben Ferguson (05:09)

  • Waltz criticized for prioritizing the Somali voting bloc, which Ferguson claims is essential for Democratic reelection efforts in the state.

    • “Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community. ... The Somali community votes basically 100% of the time together.”
      — Ben Ferguson (05:55)

• Federal Response Escalates:

  • Homeland Security:
    Secretary Noem confirms federal agents are active in Minneapolis, focusing on childcare centers and other alleged fraud schemes. (07:30)
  • FBI:
    Director Kash Patel orders more agents to Minnesota to investigate potentially billions in federal aid fraud.
    • “Director Patel characterized the known fraud cases as possibly the tip of a very large iceberg.”
      — Ben Ferguson (08:24)
  • ICE:
    Conducting door-to-door operations, with implications for immigration status checks and enforcement at suspected fraud sites.

• Political & Media Fallout:

  • Conservative leaders Ted Cruz and Vice President Vance publicly support the whistleblowers and the viral video.
  • The Trump administration frames the situation as one of major government failure at the state level.
  • Whistleblowers reportedly retaliated against; law and order narrative driven by both state and federal GOP leaders.

• Ferguson’s Conclusion on the Scandal:
  “It looks like law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud.”
  — Ben Ferguson (09:48)

2. Major Diplomatic Meetings at Mar-a-Lago

A. Trump & Netanyahu: Middle East Security and Iran

• Key Subjects:

  • U.S.-Israeli alliance projected as “stronger than ever” (10:55).
  • Trump and Netanyahu emphasize unity, directly countering media narratives about tension.
  • Major topic: Iran reportedly developing chemical and biological warheads.

• Notable Trump Quote on Iran:
  “I'm not going to talk about overthrow of a regime. They've got a lot of problems there in [Iran]... There's tremendous discontent. They form 100,000, 200,000 people. All of a sudden people start getting shot. ... They're vicious, vicious people.”
  — Donald Trump (11:46)

• Policy Clarity on Preventing Iranian WMDs:

  • “If they [Iran] start producing biological and chemical warheads, the same fate of those Iranian nuclear sites will happen again.”
  • On supporting an Israeli strike on Iran:
    “If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. Okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.”
    — Donald Trump (12:38)

B. Trump, Zelensky, and Putin: Progress Toward Ukraine Peace

• Diplomatic Activity:

  • Trump meets with Zelensky; discussion focuses on advancing a peace plan for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. (13:00)
  • Post-meeting, Trump holds a “positive” phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep negotiations moving.
  • U.S. offers Ukraine a concrete 15-year security guarantee as part of the peace framework.
    • Zelensky views it as a vital, though “not long enough,” commitment.

• Broad Takeaway
  “Discussions are pointing towards progress on peace initiatives, something the President desperately wants, as well as ongoing dialogue with Russia. After the Ukraine meeting, keeping the diplomatic channels open. All a positive sign for what President Trump said. We need the wars to end.”
  — Ben Ferguson (14:32)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Ferguson on Minnesota Fraud:
  “Governor Waltz is basically saying I'm willing to sell out Minnesota's taxpayers and federal taxpayers to save the Somali community, putting them ahead of American citizens that are being defrauded.” (06:24)

• Donald Trump on Iran's Internal Issues:
  “I've watched it for years. They're vicious, vicious people.” (12:00)

• Donald Trump on Supporting Israeli Action:
  “If they will continue with the missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. Okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.” (12:38)

• Ben Ferguson’s Wrap-Up:
  “It was an important day for the president in West Palm Beach. It was an important day for Trump to host two major world leaders back to back and underscores the active U.S. role in high level diplomacy.” (14:19)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:10] — Fallout from Minnesota fraud video; Waltz’s response & federal escalation
• [05:09] — Governor Waltz’s controversial public comments
• [07:30] — DHS & FBI ramp up fraud investigations in Minnesota
• [10:28] — Transition to U.S. foreign policy: Trump-Netanyahu-Zelensky meetings
• [11:46] — Trump’s remarks on Iran and regime instability
• [12:34-12:52] — Trump clarifies U.S. (and Israeli) red lines on Iran
• [13:00] — Trump-Zelensky meeting, U.S. security guarantees, Biden-Putin call
• [14:32] — Ferguson sums up U.S. diplomatic gains and peace process efforts

Tone & Style Notes

Ben Ferguson delivers the episode with a hard-hitting, combative tone—especially critical of Democratic leadership and vocal in support of aggressive federal intervention on fraud and national security.
Donald Trump’s statements are direct, colorful, and blunt in both his assessments of foreign regimes and his policy positions.

For listeners seeking the latest on domestic political scandals and U.S. global diplomacy under the Trump administration, this episode provides unfiltered analysis and exclusive political commentary on breaking national and international developments.